First, a mature believer demonstrates the work of faith.
‘Master, what must we do to do the works of God?’ the disciples asked in John 6.
‘This is the work of God,’ Jesus answered, ‘that you believe on Him Whom the Father has sent.’
When a believer says, ‘We believe in Jesus Christ and marvel at what He did on the Cross’ — that is the work of faith.
Secondly, a mature believer labors in love — which is only logical because whenever a person begins to comprehend how much the Lord has done for him, he can’t help but love others.
During his visit to the Boys’ Town orphanage in the 1940’s, a reporter for Life Magazine observed a ten-year-old boy carrying a much older boy on his back.
‘Isn’t he heavy?’ asked the reporter.
‘He ain’t heavy,’ said the younger boy. ‘He’s my brother’ — giving rise to the song which would later be written about this true story.
It’s not a burdensome obligation, but a labor of love which says, ‘God’s been so good to me that I can’t help but carry someone else.’
Thirdly, a mature believer patiently hopes for the return of the Lord. The night before Jesus’ crucifixion, after telling His disciples He would be betrayed, Jesus arose from supper, girded Himself with a towel, and began to wash their feet. Why? Scripture says it was because He knew from whence He came and where He was going (John 13:3).
Knowing we’re going to heaven is a key ingredient of maturity because heaven alone allows us to see the big picture and puts everything in perspective.
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